Future Crismon Rattler student-athletes packed the Queen Creek Unified School District (QCUSD) office earlier this month for the Crismon High Athletic Night. More than 200 parents and students were in attendance to learn about the programs and hear from school leaders and coaches at the district's third high school.
One future Crismon Rattler, Nayali Ruan Leyba, says this will be her first time attending a QCUSD school.
"It's exciting because I get to be the first to graduate from (Crismon High School) and be on varsity teams," said Leyba. "I look forward to becoming stronger in my sports and meeting new teammates."
Leyba will be attending as a ninth-grader and plans to play softball and volleyball. She and other students met a few of the athletic coaches and directors of the newest school during the April 6 event, many of whom have established reputations in athletic coaching and training.
Ben Brandau, the department chair of physical education and director of sports performance, was one of many speakers at the athletic night. He shared one of the goals of the athletic programs - having all athletes participate in strength and conditioning.
"We will have a class for each sport," Brandau explained. "Whether it be from badminton to football, we will run them through the weight room, speed and agility, strength training, and skill and drill work."
Formerly a director from Red Mountain High School in Mesa, Brandau shared that his goal for the new school is not only the athletic program but the athletic culture.
"Building the (culture) at Crismon is going to be a unique challenge because we get to create the culture from the beginning," Brandau said. "We set the standards, create the vision. Building athletics through the weight room is a passion of mine. We will be able to become successful in the weight room, on the field, on the court."
The athletic presentation is available to view on the current Crismon High School website. QCUSD's newest high school will be opening next school year.
